Introduction to Paleocene
mammals

The target of this section of the site is to
compile the most interesting facts about Paleocene mammals.
Paleontological literature can be a somewhat dry matter,
especially if the subject is known from not more than fossil
teeth and the entire animal remains largely unknown, as is often
true for early mammals. Naturally, biological interpretations are
quite limited in such cases. Nevertheless, there are exceptional
cases where we can get a more complete idea of the animal and its
behavior. I have tried to extract from the literature these
highlights, besides giving an overview of the evolution and
relationships of Paleocene mammals.

Reconstruction of a middle Paleocene
habitat in New Mexico, USA. On the forest floor two mesonychids
of the genus Ankalagon
are eating the small crocodile Allognathosuchus.
On the left the coati-like arctocyonid Chriacus
is skillfully climbing up a plane-tree and
is watching a Deltatherium
on the small branch in the middle. Ankalagon
and Chriacus are
primitive members of the hoofed mammals, whereas the
relationships of Deltatherium
are still debated. Drawing by Gregory S. Paul, from Stanley
(1989).